Professional Quality FPV Camera Drones, Quadcopters, & UAVs

When you take a drone and add a high quality camera, it transforms from a novelty toy into an incredibly useful tool. Photographers, travelers, and videographers have fallen in love with the seemingly endless possibilities unlocked by drone photography, while drone racers, enamored by first-person vision (FPV) camera capabilities, have surged in number.

Manufacturers are well aware of the hype, and so the vast majority of RC drones produced in 2018 were fitted with a camera. Still, it’s important to remember that not all drone cameras were created equal.

Camera drones, like digital cameras, are incredibly diverse. Some are meant to stream live footage while flying at breakneck speeds, while others are meant to hover around their pilot, taking glamorous selfies like personal paparazzi.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, various commercial industries have embraced camera drones (hot tip: an octocopter equipped with a camera is typically the best best drone for agriculture surveys).

Compared with many fixed wing drones for sale, high-end quadcopters are not limited in movement. They travel fast, have cameras that are stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal, shoot smooth footage in the increasingly popular hyperlapse mode, and can immediately upload all of the footage to favored social media channels.

Just like digital cameras, choosing the right RC (remote control) drone often comes down to price-point. Luckily, the technology used by top drone manufacturers has trickled down to the smaller brands, and even the simplest camera drones typically come equipped with camera functions that used to be reserved for higher end models.

The RC helicopters on this list represent some of the best camera equipped drones on the market. Read on, and happy flying.

DJI Phantom 3 SE

Designed with a slick white and gold finish, the Phantom 3 SE is one of DJI’s most popular all-purpose drones. It’s fast, comes equipped with a high-definition 12MP camera, and can travel up to 4km from its pilot without losing connection.

Because it’s equipped with intelligent flight features, the Phantom 3 SE is easy to fly for any and all pilots. By using an advanced Vision Positioning system, it’s able to move through the air with precision, which makes aerial photography simple using the DJI GO app.

DJI Mavic Air

It’s hard to imagine a more travel-friendly drone than the Mavic Air. It weighs less than 1lb, comes with foldable arms, and shoots remarkable 4K footage. It’s been called an engineering marvel and has become one of DJI’s top selling quadcopters.

Travelers, drone pilots, photographers and videographers have fallen in love with the Mavic Air’s ultraportability, and you won’t find many cheaper alternatives to Mavic Pro with this many capabilities.

Features and Specs:

21 Minute Flight Time

25mph (45kph) Max Speed in sport mode

32MP panoramic images

4K video resolution at 30fps

Weighs less than 1lb

8GB of storage

3-axis stabilizing gimbal

ActiveTrack allows Mavic Air to target 16 objects simultaneously

TapFly allows pilots to control Mavic Air from a mobile device

SmartCapture allows pilots to control Mavic Air using simple hand gestures

Accessories

If you want to get the most out of the Mavic Air, consider the DJI Goggles, which wrap comfortably around a pilot’s head for panoramic viewing and FPV flight.

Intelligent GPS and IPS (indoor positioning system) features allow the Breeze to hover in fixed positions, and move with precision while capturing the perfect shot. Journey Mode, Selfie Mode, and Orbit Mode offer unforgettable angles, and, yes, allow you take the perfect selfie.

Features and Specs:

12 Minute Flight Time

11mph Max Speed

Travels up to 262ft (80m) from drone remote controller

13MP camera takes remarkable stills

4K Ultra HD video

Ultraportable 24cm body weighs a mere 385g

Selfie Mode hovers Breeze around pilot for perfect selfie

Orbit Mode instructs Breeze to circle an object of interest

Pilot Mode allows you to control Breeze using smart device

Accessories

If you want to fly the Yuneec Breeze 4K in first-person view mode (who wouldn’t?), the FPV System includes the gear you need to see exactly what your drone sees. 720p image transmission streams directly to your mobile phone, which can be strapped to VR Goggles or a remote control. The set includes:

DJI Mavic 2 Pro

The Mavic Pro drone was a monster hit, so when DJI designed the Mavic 2 Pro they knew the bar was high. They didn’t disappoint. For the second version of the Mavic Pro, DJI teamed up with renowned Swiss camera maker Hasselblad to create one of the best aerial photography drones on the market.

Equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor and a 20-megapixel camera, enhanced with HDR and color sensitivity, the Mavic 2 Pro has become the gold standard for camera drone manufacturing. When Sport Mode is activated, the Mavic 2 Pro can reach speeds of 45mph, while remaining in the air for a best-in-class 31 minutes.

DJI Inspire 1 V2.0

The DJI Inspire 1 V2.0 is a professional grade camera drone built for serious photographers and videographers. A remarkable 12MP camera shoots excellent 4K, and comes equipped with a 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor, mounted on a 3-axis, 360-degree rotating gimbal.

Unlike other popular camera drones, the Inspire 1 V2.0 offers dual-operator mode, which simplifies the filmmaking process by designating a pilot and a camera operator. By dividing responsibilities, filmmakers are able to focus on getting the best shot possible without having to worry about drone operation.

Features and Specs:

18 Minute Flight Time

49mph (79kph) Max Speed

3-axis, 360-degree rotating gimbal

12MP camera with excellent 4K resolution video

Motor upgrades from DJI Inspire 1 improve handling and performance

Video Positioning System allows for GPS-free indoor flight

Ready-to-fly aerial system

DJI Lightbridge provides live, wireless HD video transmission

Dual-operator mode splits flight and camera duties, allowing camera operator to get the best shot possible

Accessories / Care Plan

To get the most out of the DJI Inspire 1 V2.0, try the DJI Goggles. FPV flight streams directly into the headset, allowing the pilot to see exactly what the drone sees.

DJI Goggles

The DJI Care Protection Plan covers any and all damage to your DJI aircraft, allowing you to operate your Inspire 1 V2.0 with peace of mind.

UDI U818A 1 HD

UDI manufactures some of the most fun and affordable drones on the market, and the UDI U818A 1 HD is no exception. It’s lightweight, durable, FPV enabled, and comes with an impressive 2MP forward-facing camera that takes stunning HD photos and videos.

Because it’s offered at such a reasonable price-point, the U818A 1 is ideal for kids and beginner drone pilots. Flight capabilities are simplified by functions like Headless Mode and Return Home, which ensure that the RC quad won’t move unexpectedly or get lost during a training session.

DJI Spark

Spark is the smallest drone made by the world’s most popular RC quad manufacturer, built for selfie takers and photography enthusiasts. However, because it’s designed by DJI, it’s also lightning fast, FPV enabled, loaded with intelligent features, and equipped with a beautiful 12MP camera that records crystal clear 1080p video.

The Spark was designed to be ultraportable without sacrificing durability, making it the ideal travel buddy. Its small size unlocks limitless creative opportunities, while smart features like FaceAware make photography and videography enjoyably simple.

Features and Specs:

16 Minute Flight Time

31mph Max Speed with sport mode engaged

2 mile (2km) range

Weighs a mere 300g

12MP camera captures stills and records crystal clear 1080p video

FaceAware registers the pilot’s face for the perfect selfie

Simple Control allow the pilot to guide the Spark with hand gestures

Intelligent flight modes create cinematic stills and video

Mechanical gimbal ensures smooth video capture

FlightAutonomy and ReturnHome functions ensure drone never gets lost

Accessories

With a drone so small and quick, it would be a shame to miss out on the thrill of FPV flight. With special DJI Goggles, pilots are able to control camera tilt with Head Track Gimbal mode, providing a completely immersive experience.

DJI Phantom 4

The DJI Phantom 4 is a drone pilot’s dream. Owing to a beautiful design, high performance, and a remarkable camera system, it’s become one of the most sought-after models DJI has produced.

The Phantom 4 is synchronized with both GPS and GLONASS positioning systems, which ensures that it moves with extreme precision through the air. Its remarkable 3.1-mile (5km) range makes it perfect for exploring unfamiliar landscapes, or getting a new perspective on a familiar one. It does everything even the best octocopter drone can.

Syma S5SW FPV

The Syma X5SW FPV is lightweight, FPV enabled, and makes drone tricks possible with exciting stunt features. Pilots can follow in real time while the S5SW performs maneuvers like 360-degree rolls, captured with a respectable .3MP lens.

The S5SW is also durable: propeller guards protect the blades of the S5SW, while stability is boosted by a 6-axis gyro. Features like Headless Mode make takeoff simple by eliminating orientation problems.

It’s the perfect drone for aspiring or beginner drone racers.

Features and Specs:

8 Minute Flight Time

.3MP lens

6-axis gyro for advanced stabilization

Offers stunt capabilities like 360-deree rolls

Propeller guards protect rotator blades

Built with durable plastic

Headless Mode synchronizes drone with controller to simplify takeoff

WiFI FPV makes S5SW a fantastic drone for beginner RC racers

Bright, flashing lights make it possible to comfortably pilot at night

X5UW Thunderbolt

A small but powerful RC quadcopter, the Thunderbolt earns its name with impressive maneuverability and a slick gold finish. It also sports an impressive 720p HD camera, a rarity at its price point.

The Thunderbolt is equipped with low-latency FPV video transmission, which projects a first-person view directly to a built-in drone controller screen. Capabilities like Headless Mode and app control make it easy to operate, and exceptionally bright lights allow it to be flown at night.

U49W Blue Heron

The Blue Heron is an incredibly versatile FPV drone. It’s affordable, nimble, and distinguished from other RC drones in its class by a superior 15 minute flight time. At its price-point, the extended airtime makes it a viable quadcopter for both racing and videography.

The Blue Heron is equipped with a respectable 720p HD camera, which ensures quality stills and video. Coupled with intelligent flight options like Speed Mode and Altitude Hold, the Blue Heron is a smart choice for beginner pilots who want to experience drone piloting without committing to a more expensive model.

U49 Blue Jay WiFi FPV Drone

The U45 Blue Jay was designed to take a beating. Propeller guards allow drone users to take risks and push this UAV to the limit while honing their flying abilities. It’s FPV enabled, and comes with VR headset compatibility.

The Blue Jay’s 2MP camera captures quality HD 720p aerial photos and videos, making it a viable and affordable option for both photographers and videographers. While it’s ideal for novice pilots, even highly skilled operators enjoy the Blue Jay’s notable durability. After all, pushing the limits of an RC quad is one of the most fun things to do with a drone.